Pique's thumbs up for Ronaldo

The centre-back played alongside the Portuguese during their time together at Manchester United and he has only good memories of the Ballon d'Or holderBarcelona defender Gerard Pique has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo's public image does not correspond with how the Real Madrid attacker is in real life.

The Portugal international is often criticised for his perceived arrogance, yet Pique is adamant that the prolific forward is a friendly guy off the pitch.

The pair were team-mates at Manchester United between 2004 and 2008 and the Spain international centre-back has nothing but good words for the Madrid star.

"He may have been a bit too sincere when he said that people are jealous of him because he's handsome, rich and a great player," Pique was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I know him very well and he is a friendly guy. His public image does not correspond with how he is in real life."

Pique left United for Barcelona in the summer of 2008, with Ronaldo saying farewell to Old Trafford for Madrid one year later, yet the duo have maintained a good relationship ever since their time together at the Premier League champions - despite the rivalry between their current clubs.